Ask An Expert

Lactose Intolerance and Goat Cheese

Deborah Kurzrock, R.D.

Mills-Peninsula Medical Center

Question:

Does goat cheese contain lactose? If I am lactose intolerant, is it safe to eat?

Answer:

Lactose is the sugar found in milk. If you have been told you are lactose intolerant,
you are unable to digest this sugar. Some people can eat or drink small amounts of
lactose, while others can not tolerate any lactose-containing foods. Goat's milk does
contain lactose and it has almost as much as cow's milk.

Symptoms of lactose
intolerance differ from person to person. The most common symptoms are gas, diarrhea,
abdominal cramping or discomfort, and generalized abdominal pain.

Some
people have a less severe reaction to lactose and find that they can eat fermented
milk products without having any symptoms. These fermented milk products include yogurt
and aged cheeses , such as cheddar. Cheeses made from both cow's milk or goat's milk
will have a reduction in the amount of lactose due to the fermentation process. However,
for some reason, some people do seem to tolerate goat cheese better than cow's milk
cheese. The fat molecules in goat's milk are shorter than in cow's milk and this may
account for its easier digestibility for some.

The severity of your lactose
intolerance, would determine how "safe" goat cheese will be for you to include in
your diet. You may want to consult with your doctor /dietitian for more individualized
guidance.

Related Questions

My child was diagnosed with lactose intolerance. Dairy makes her sick but she can
eat lactose-free dairy products without issue. Is there something else that should
be explored, or is my child a rare one year old with true lactose intolerance?

I just purchased a gluten lactase enzyme medication that claims to let me eat anything
safely. I have recently been diagnosed with celiac disease, and also feel lactose
intolerant. Will this product work, or did I just waste my money?